At 38, Irish designer Simone Rocha is already 12 years into a remarkable career in fashion—not only because her designs waft down runways, fill the closets of everyone from Rihanna to Billie Eilish, and populate flagships in New York, London, and Taipei, but also because each piece is so recognizably Rocha’s. She’s always true to her own aesthetic, which Tim Blanks, a fashion journalist and contributor to Rocha’s new, eponymous book, once deemed “Alice-not-quite-in-Wonderland.” Simone Rocha, a fashion book doubling as a memoir, comes out Tuesday, just weeks after the designer unveiled her new spring 2025 collection in London. To celebrate, the always-on-the-go Rocha details her travel routine.
What do you wear to the airport?
One of my black dresses in silk or cotton, knee socks, Simone Rocha pearly Crocs, a cashmere jumper, and a ponytail or two plaits.
How long before your flight boards do you get to the airport?
One to two hours. I don’t love being in the airport for ages …
Check bags, or carry-on only?
Checked bag, my handbag, and a backpack.
What do you bring in your carry-on?
Books, phone, phone charger, wired headphones, Carmex, Dr. Sturm moisturizer, almonds, water bottle, and dark chocolate.
What do you buy in the airport terminal?
Paracetamol, another book, gum, maybe a magazine, and tissues.
What do you do while waiting to board?
Go to a newsstand and the pharmacy. Maybe eat something.
Item you can’t fly without?
A jumper for around my neck.
First class or coach?
Business.
Window, middle, or aisle seat?
Window, please.
How do you pass the time on the plane?
Movies, reading, sleeping, podcasts, and music.
Do you buy Wi-Fi?
No, one of the last luxuries left is not being contactable for a few hours.
Do you eat plane food?
I try to eat something hot before I get on the plane and then go straight to sleep when taking off, so sometimes I miss the food.
Best plane food you’ve ever had?
The best meal is always flying to Asia—Tokyo, I think.
Best drink to get on a flight?
Gin-and-tonic.
Do you talk to the people sitting next to you?
No.
Keep shoes on or off on the plane?
On.
What do you do when turbulence hits?
Close my eyes and try to sleep or pretend it’s not happening.
Worst part of the flight?
When you can’t sleep all flight, then fall asleep 15 minutes before you land, and then wake up at landing in a daze.
First thing you do when the plane lands?
Turn on my phone.
Advice for travelers?
Be courteous to others.
